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  • 🏓 Proposed Noise Barriers and Site Options for Tucker Pickleball Courts

🏓 Proposed Noise Barriers and Site Options for Tucker Pickleball Courts

Councilwoman speaks out on ICE church arrest, Baraka Shawarma getting Tucker's love, and more

Good morning, Tucker!

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In today’s edition:

  • Proposed Pickleball courts: sound barriers & site options

  • Councilwoman Weaver speaks out about ICE church arrest

  • Small business highlight: Baraka Shawarma 🙌 

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Stay in the Loop 💫 

🏓 Proposed Pickleball Courts in Tucker: Noise Barriers and Site Options

After heated public debate about noise concerns from proposed pickleball courts, Dr. Kenneth Cunefare from Arpeggio LLC proposed a solution: a 10-foot sound barrier that would mask noise levels for nearby homes. The solution was presented at the Jan 27th City Council meeting in response to concerns raised by residents last November.

Perez Planning also scouted city-owned properties to see where the pickleball facility would fit best. They looked at several possible locations, including spots at Henderson Park, Johns Homestead, and Kelley Cofer Park. After checking things like parking space, room for future expansion, and construction costs, 3 top spots emerged: Tucker Recreation Center came in first, followed by Fitzgerald Park and Henderson Park's northeast field.

The project could eventually include more than just pickleball – there's talk of adding bocce ball and sand volleyball courts too. While nothing's set in stone yet, the city's doing its homework to make sure they pick the right spot.

Want to learn more? The city council's still discussing the details, so stay tuned for updates.

Read more from the source: Decaturish

🗣️ Tucker Council Member Speaks Out on ICE Church Arrest

At Tucker's January 27th City Council meeting, Councilmember Alexis Weaver addressed the recent ICE arrest of Wilson Rogelio Velásquez Cruz at Fuente de Vida Church. Cruz, who reportedly had a valid work permit and was awaiting an asylum hearing, was arrested on Sunday.

Mayor Frank Auman stated the city had no influence over ICE operations. Other DeKalb County cities like Brookhaven and Chamblee have issued official responses. The incident has drawn varied reactions from public officials:

  • Rep. Hank Johnson condemned the arrests as "unjust" and "un-American," offering resources for constituents

  • Rep. Nikema Williams criticized the arrests on social media, linking them to Trump policy changes

  • State legislators, including Reps. Mary Margaret Oliver, Kim Jackson, and Elena Parent, expressed concerns about the arrests' impact on communities and questioned the use of resources for detaining individuals with pending asylum claims

  • Senators Ossoff and Warnock have not commented on the situation.

Tucker, aside from Weaver's comments, has not issued an official statement about the incident. Read more from the source: Decaturish

📆 Special Called City Council Meeting about Homestead Exemption

Date/time: Monday, February 10th, 7pm @ Tucker City Hall (1971 Lakeside Pkwy)

The City of Tucker intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. Join us for a public hearing on the subject to learn what it means for you and share your thoughts!

For more information: read here.

📢☀️ Summer Camp Registration Opens on Feb 10th

Photo Source: Tucker Parks and Recreation

🗓 Traditional Summer Camp Registration opens on Monday, February 10 at 10 am! Traditional Summer Camp registration will allow you to register for two 4-week sessions. Additional weeks of traditional summer camp will registration will open on February 24 at 10am.

Session 1:
Week 1: June 2–6
Week 2: June 9–13
Week 3: June 16–20
Week 4: June 23–27

Session 2:
Week 1: July 7–11
Week 2: July 14–18
Week 3: July 21–25
Week 4: July 28–August 1


🗓 Specialty Camps Registration opens on Monday, February 24 at 10 am!

  • Eco Adventures

  • Sports Camp

  • Teen Camp

  • Traditional Summer Camp Individual Weeks

Note: Each specialty camp will be listed by individual weeks, and registration must be completed for each week you plan to participate. No camps June 30-July 4.

More details coming soon! For all inquiries or questions, email camp staff at [email protected].

Small Business News 📰 

🧆 Tucker’s Newest Shawarma Restaurant Getting Rave Reviews

If you haven’t heard already, this is your sign to run to Tucker’s newest shawarma place: Baraka Shawarma! Located next to Paramount Coffee and El Taco Naco on Idlewood Road, Baraka Shawarma officially opened on December 6th and has already received rave reviews from the community. 🙌 Whether you’re craving some falafel, hummus, or delicious wraps, Baraka Shawarma has it all.

Join the rest of the community in welcoming our newest Mediterranean restaurant to the Tucker food scene! Pictured below are their Combination Plates (chicken & gyro) - a steal for only $10.99 each 😋 

Photo Credit: Tucker Today

Tucker Treasures 💝 

Tucker Today partners with Dekalb County Animal Shelter. Every week, we highlight local animals looking for their forever home.

In this week’s edition of Tucker Treasures, we’re featuring Marnie! Now is the perfect time to adopt – all adoptions are $25 for the entire month of January! 

Marnie (female); 62 lbs, 4 years old

“Marnie is a dream! She's a chunky, 62 pound gray + white cutie. Volunteers most frequently use the word FUN to describe her. She loves to play, is friendly with everyone, knows sit and stay, and is a pro at catching toys mid-air. She has a blast being out. If you're looking for a fun-loving pup, Marnie is your girl. Come meet her!”

Spread the word about Marnie! Email [email protected] or call 404.294.2165 for more info.

Not sure if you want to adopt? Come take a pup for a fun day with the Dog for the Day program. This program is a great way to borrow a canine companion for a hike, a trip to the park, or a lazy day at home. Email [email protected] for more information.

Tucker Events 🎟️

Don’t miss out on upcoming events!

🧪 NETWorks Cooperative Ministry & Love Your Neighbor as Yourself Breakfast

Date | Time: Tuesday, February 4th @ 7:30am
Location: Main Street Fellowship Hall (First Baptist Church of Tucker)

Join us for the Love Your Neighbor as Yourself Breakfast on Tuesday, February 4th at 7:30 AM at Main Street Fellowship Hall!

This special event will highlight our 2024 impact and 2025 goals, while bringing together community members to celebrate unity and giving. The breakfast is free and open to everyone in the Northlake, Embry Hills, and Tucker communities.

Be sure to RSVP here. We look forward to seeing you there!

 🎶 Tucker’s Winter Concert Series

Come enjoy smooth jazz, blues, and bluegrass music at Tucker Recreation Center! Event is free but requires pre-registration due to limited space. Register here before it’s too late!

Bring a picnic style dinner; adult beverages will be available for purchase. Come for the music, stay for the cozy vibes!❄️🎶

Location: Tucker Recreation Center, 6-9pm (Live Music: 7-8:30pm)

Concert Dates & Lineup: 

  • 🎸 January 10th – BFG

  • 🎤 January 24th – Stephen Lee

  • 🎷 February 7th – The Cazanovas

  • 🎵 February 21st – Emerald Empire Band

Photo Source: Tucker Parks and Recreation Instagram

📆 Upcoming Events

Hosting an event and want to get featured in Tucker Today? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Event

Details

Location / Date

❣️ Seniors Valentine’s Day Lunch

Tucker’s 7th annual Senior’s Valentine’s Day is here! Come enjoy catered lunch and music.

More details here.

Location: Tucker Recreation Center (4898 Lavista Road)

Date: Friday, February 14th @ 11:30am - 1:30pm

🌎️ Eco Adventures STEM Day Camp

Fuel your child's love for discovery at Eco Adventures STEM Day Camp!

Registration opens January 13 at 8am – mark your calendars!

Dates: February 18-21 (Tuesday-Friday)

Cost: $120/week
Ages: 7-12

⚽️ Middle School Sports Camp

Calling all middle schoolers — get ready to move and have fun!

Registration opens January 13! Athletic gear required.

Questions? Contact Trey Nance at [email protected]

Dates: February 18-21 (Tuesday-Friday)

Cost: $120 per child
Grades: 6-8

🥧 PI Day Pie-K

Celebrate PI day by getting in some steps and enjoying a slice or two of pie!

More details here.

Location: Tucker Recreation Center (4898 Lavista Road)

Date: Friday, March 14th @ 6-7pm

☀️ Tucker Day 2025

Mark your calendars now for Tucker Day 2025! More details to come.

Location: Main Street

Date: Saturday, May 3

🔁 Recurring Events

Event

Details

Location / Date

🀄️Tucker Mahjong Club

A brand new event series to occur every Thursday! For beginners and advanced players. 4 mahjong sets will be provided.

Join the Facebook group here.

Location: Tucker Recreational Center

Date/time: Thursdays @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

♟️Tucker Chess Club

100% free and open to all skill levels! Bring chess gear, snacks, dinner, and friends!

Contact [email protected] with any q’s.

Location: 2317 Main St

Date/time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday @ 7pm

🎧️Podcast Club

Join the Podcast Club every 1st Tuesday of the month!

Questions? Email Elizabeth at [email protected]

Location: Tucker-Reid Cofer Library

Date/time: next meeting is Feb 11th @ 6:30-7:30pm; recurring every 2nd Tuesday of the month

Tucker Tunes - Live Music 🎵

Monday

  • Napoleon's Grill | Jazz Jam Session & Open Mic | 7:30pm - 11:00pm

Wednesday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Open Mic Night | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

Thursday

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

  • The Mad Italian | Live Music | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Thank you, Tucker!

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Angela Ahn & David Choe

Founders + Editors-in-Chief of Tucker Today and DOA Media Group

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